38 comparisons

[clerick]

I was looking for opinions and comparisons of the different P-38 G,L and J.  Pros and cons of each model.

Thanks,

[Lusche]

You might find this link helpful:


http://www.gonzoville.com/ahcharts/index.php?p1=p38g&p2=p38j&p3=p38l

What you canīt see on this charts is that the P38L , while sharing the same stats with the P38J has dive flaps which you may find helpful  especially during bombing runs.

[Schatzi]

Also, the PL has "enhanced" aileron control.... it rolls faster then the PJ.

[Soulyss]

Differences between the J and L are slight in my experiences (with the exception of the boosted ailerons in the L), or I'm just not good enough to notice or exploit any differences that are there and typically fly them the same.  The G is considerably slower and has less power available.  However if you get it light on fuel it can sure go round 'n round and is great fun to take into a furball, twisting and turning down in the weeds with spitfires and the like.  

General consensus on all models is to leave Combat Trim either off or set it to a button on the joystick so it can be toggled to retrim quickly when need be then switched back off.  In my experience CT greatly inhibits the stability in the verticle and the 38's ability to hang nose high.  Back when I was getting started in the 38 most people advised me to begin with the L as it has similar speed and performance to the J but is a little easier to toss around the sky with those ailerons.  Personally I've found more frequent and consistant success with the G than anything else but I tend to attribute that to my time flying the hellcat and I think my flying style is similar in both A/C.  

There are some very good 38 jocks cruising these boards, who I'm sure can give more quantitative and precise advice than I.   I would also recommend visiting the Training Arena the staff there keeps 1-2 38 jocks on the roster I'm sure.  If you're in the Main Arenas feel free to look me up I fly under the same handle I post with here.

[clerick]

Combat trimoff?  Interesting thought.  I'm still getting used to using flaps and rudder in this beast.  I spent a little time in the TA with Murdr but was having audio issues due because of my firewall so it wasnt as productive as it could be.  

In the time i have been flying it i've started to get glimpses of of why the Germans called it the forked tailed devil.  But it is deffinately a challenge, i think thats why i like it.  Seems like uppinging in a spit 8 is just a bit TOO easy, i deffinately get more kills that way, but when i was on the deck furballing against an F4U it was fun!  Thats why i'm here.  I remember the cartoon that was posted where a swarm of noobs were vulching a base, i dont get how anyone can find that worth $15 a month.  

Thank you all for your input, i just need to keep processing and training and figuring out what works and what gets me blowed up.

[Hazard69]

Combat trim off in a P38 is a must, manually trim elevators to neutral and (as long as both engines available) leave rudder and aileron trim neutral.......

With combat trim off you will find the following good things:
Keeps you from stalling too early
-Delays (IMHO) compressing
-Plane seems a little more nimble in the vertical
-Downside: if u r busy in combat and cant trim manually, u may have to hold some stick pressure (back or forward) just to keep the aircraft level. This can make gunnery a little difficult, but with the nose mounted guns, thats no too much trouble.

By all means use the autotrim features: level, angle, speed when u have time. They will trim the aircraft for you pretty well.

Difference in G,J and L models.

G is as fast as J or L, but because it cant accelerate as well and takes almost thrice as long as the J/L to reach top speed it gives the mpression of being slower as most cons will get away. However the G can roll and turn like a spit. Its the most nimble of them all. Also IMHO in a dive it doesnt compress as quickly as a J/L.
J and L have little difference except for the hydraulic boost ailerons on the L. The J is lighter than L and seems to handle low speeds (below 200mph) better (IMHO) than the L. At speeds below 250mph it can roll pretty well too (though not like a 38G).
Above 250mph, the G and J start having trouble rolling, but the 38L can roll like a FW190.

All have the same guns, but L carries the most ordnance.
Love the 38s guns, 150 rds 20mm (more than spits) 500rds per gun 50cals (more than even a P47).

10rkts and 2000lbs give it quite a punch. Pity so many use it as a kamikazie Jabbo machine:(

[clerick]

interesting points, i might have to try the G for some of these huge furballs that seem to eat me up in the L i've been flying.

Whichever model, its a difficult plane to fly.  Lots of people have asked why i dont fly somthing different, i.e. easier. I think that the difficulty IS the reason.  If i can get good in this plane, i can probably fly almost anything else that much better. That and the fact that it seems to do EVERYTHING well, but no one thing great.  Like an American Swiss Army Knife.

[zorstorer]

Originally posted by clerick
interesting points, i might have to try the G for some of these huge furballs that seem to eat me up in the L i've been flying.

Whichever model, its a difficult plane to fly.  Lots of people have asked why i dont fly somthing different, i.e. easier. I think that the difficulty IS the reason.  If i can get good in this plane, i can probably fly almost anything else that much better. That and the fact that it seems to do EVERYTHING well, but no one thing great.  Like an American Swiss Army Knife.

If you like the pain try getting good in the Hurri Mk1

Everything else will fly like a scalded cat after

Just in case you think I am joking, ask schatzi

[Murdr]

Originally posted by clerick
That and the fact that it seems to do EVERYTHING well, but no one thing great.  Like an American Swiss Army Knife.

That is exactly why Ive flown it all these years in AW, WBs, and AH.  It does do one thing great though... maneuver in the vertical.  

I prefer the J myself.  It handles enterences to instantanious turns just a tad better, and is slightly more stable at slow speeds.  I say that with the note that the difference is so small that the average player would not feel any difference at all.

The L is an excelent JABO plane, and that is primarily what I use it for.

The G is by far the tightest turning of the bunch, but the lack of WEP somewhat hampers the 38s inherent vertical prowless, and also makes it very difficult to egress the battle.

Good info being given here, but I would note that the 3 models are only virtually equal in speed at normal power.  The J and L will leave the G in the dust with WEP engaged.

[clerick]

seems that verticle fights are where i need to be training.  I know that it wont turn with most of the planes that i see in the MA, ESPECIALLY LW arenas.  I just hate flashing that big "Shoot me down" target when you pull vertical.  I might need to do some ride alongs and see how the pros handle it.

[Murdr]

Oh, hey clerick...that reminds me.  You were the one who couldn't play films, weren't you?  There was a bug, here is the fix:

Originally posted by Pyro
Crap, looks like a film viewer on the Patch 1 build didn't update.  Grab this file and that should fix it.

http://downloads.hitechcreations.com/AH2091FILMVIEW.EXE

If you follow one of the links in my sig, you'll find dozens of 38 flims.

[clerick]

I was able to play films and hve been studying them religiously.  What i couldnt do was use voice that one day in the TA (stooooopid firewall).  When i have time i would like to schedule another session or five.  

I got a new stick and have been trying to find the best configuration...  any input would be appreciated.  Especially when it comes to dialing in the inputs.

[Schatzi]

Originally posted by clerick
I was able to play films and hve been studying them religiously.  What i couldnt do was use voice that one day in the TA (stooooopid firewall).  When i have time i would like to schedule another session or five.  

I got a new stick and have been trying to find the best configuration...  any input would be appreciated.  Especially when it comes to dialing in the inputs.

Five lessons are recommended at least


What brand/type is your new stick?

For mapping i usually recommend doing the basics:

Pitch, Roll, Rudder, Throttle (analog inputs mapped to the corresponding axis)

Look up (operable at same time as hatswitch!)
Fire Primary
Fire Secondary (operable at same time as Fire Primary, so you can actually Fire Both)
Flaps down
Flaps up
WEP
Range Voice (if you have a mic)


The rest is personal preference. The less you have to remove hands from stick in a fight, the better.

[clerick]

LOL...  funny that you should have repiled Schatzi.  I took your advice in the TA that one day and went to Wal Mart...   $20 for a Saitek ST290 Pro.   NOT my first choice but better then what i had.

Mostly i was wondering about the affects of scalling adjustments on the handleing of a plane.  Does it make THAT much of a difference?

So far i have the views mapped, not sure i love the rear view out of a 38, but i've been playing with ways to improve it using F10 and what not.

[Murdr]

Originally posted by clerick
Mostly i was wondering about the affects of scalling adjustments on the handleing of a plane.  Does it make THAT much of a difference?
 

It depends on the brand of the stick and the operator.  Some joystick models have a very "bouncy" feel when you are trying to make fine movements near the center of the stick.  With scaleing you can filter that out so you get a more precise response out of the stick.  I think it is worth playing around with until the response feels right to you.  It's is more a matter of getting it set up for precision than making the plane handle, and on that point it can help very much with gunnery.